Now that the kids are out of school, families across the country are planning their summer vacation. Going on the recommendations of the Chula Vista and National City Chambers of Commerce, The Star-News devised a short summer fun list when vacationing in the South Bay.

Aquatica

Chula Vista’s water park has a new owner, a new name and a new look. Open only for the summer, Aquatica is the newest summer attraction in Chula Vista.

Aquatica, the 11th water park under the SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment brand, and the first in California, features six water slides, five attractions, a lazy river and flamingo and turtle exhibits.

Formerly known as Knott’s Soak City, officially launched June 1, and will be open daily through Sept. 2, then open solely on the weekends from Sept. 7 to Oct. 20.

For tickets to the water park, visit: www.seaworldparks.com/en/aquatica-sandiegoAquatica is at 2052 Entertainment Circle.

Living Coast Discovery Center

The old Chula Vista Nature center offers a glimpse of many of the unique animals and plants in Southern California. Checkout marine life with the Discovery Center’s aquariums which features Leopard sharks, stingrays, moray eels, guitarfish and other marine animals.

The center also has an exhibit for rescued birds.

For more information about Living Coast Discovery Center, visit:www.thelivingcoast.org/Olympic Training Center

The Olympic Training Center will host a slew of events this summer for those interested in outdoor athletics. June 29 is BMX Olympic Day, which is open to the public.July 13, 14 and 27 is the California State Games, which too is open for public participation.July 27-28 is the Thorpe Cup, an international track and field competition between USA and Germany.For those not interested in participating in any of these activities, the Olympic Training Center offers guided public tours on Saturdays at 11 a.m., and self-guided tours daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.For more information about these events visit: http://www.teamusa.org/About-the-USOC/Training-Centers-and-Sites/Chula-Vista/VisitOlympic Training Center is located at 2800 Olympic Parkway.

Sleep Train Amphitheatre

The South Bay’s only live musical venue will satisfy any musical appetite. This summer the 19,492-seat facility will host artists from different musical genres ranging from hip-hop to rock to country.

Thierry Gray, general manager for Sleep Train Amphitheatre, said guests should visit the amphitheatre this summer if they want a top-notch experience.

“Sleep Train hosts world class entertainment in San Diego County. The largest touring live music acts are performing at our venue. Experience the best in live music because these are the top acts in music,” he said.

“The acoustics are fantastic. The outdoor venue provides great music under the stars while enjoying the great weather that we have,”

Gray said special summer discounts are offered on Groupon.

For a list of summer performers, or to buy tickets visit: www.livenation.com/venues/14468/sleep-train-amphitheatre-in-chula-vista

Sleep Train Amphitheatre is located at 2050 Entertainment Circle.

Brick Row

Brick Row is where most of National City’s history was made. Learn all about the second oldest city in San Diego at Brick Row.

Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, the historical site that once housed the Kimballs — the founding fathers of “El Rancho de la Nacion,” and now National City—offers the chance to tour the historic site and view historical records, documents and journals in its newly implemented archive room. Brick Row is located at 909 A Ave. The National City DepotAnother historical site in National City, The Depot was the first terminus of transcontinental rail travel in San Diego.

The Depot is the oldest railroad-related structure in San Diego County, and still at its original location.Dave Slater, president and general manager of The National City Depot said The Depot is ideal for any history buff. “The Depot has been there since 1881. We’ve kept it restored and turned it in to a museum,” Slater said.

The National City Depot is located at 922 W. 23rd St.

Westfield Plaza Bonita

Shopping is a big part of any vacation. While Plaza Bonita mall isn’t the ultimate tourist destination, it provides a shopping experience.

“It’s not exactly what you call a tourist destination but people like going there” Jacqueline Reynoso, CEO of the National City Chamber of Commerce, said. “It’s not what most people think of when it comes to tourism, but its there to indulge in.”

Over the last few years, the mall has been revamped to include a Target, an AMC Movie Theater and several restaurants.